The Oak Bay Beach Hotel wanted to make a real commitment to restoring ecosystems this Earth Day and that’s what they’ve done.
The hotel has partnered with veritree, the same company that works with tentree to plant a sapling for every piece of apparel sold.
For Oak Bay Beach Hotel, they wanted to make a difference in an ecosystem that feels tangible to its community and guests. They chose to restore native species of kelp to Rainy Bay, right here on Vancouver Island.
Every time a guest declines stayover service, 10 kelp will be planted in Rainy Bay, which will help restore the kelp forest to its former glory.
All the guests need to do to achieve this is putting a provided door tag on the doorknob. Then staff will note that the service has been declined for that day and the information will be sent down the line to veritree who will handle the restorative efforts.
Guests can scan a QR code on the door tag which will take them to an information hub where they can learn about Rainy Bay and the different species of kelp that grows there.
veritree are a trusted, data driven company known for setting lofty transparency goals so their partners know they are worthwhile to work with.
“Having recently received our Biosphere Certification, partnering with veritree is an ideal next step in our sustainable commitment to the environment, the community, and our staff,” said Madone Pelan, General Manager at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
“Given our proximity to the ocean, it made sense to commit to planting kelp that will help the biodiversity we see in our own backyard. veritree provides us with a transparent and accessible way to incentivise our guests to support our commitments.”
The kelp forests of Rainy Bay help support biodiversity as well as coastal fisheries. They also help reduce the carbon footprint of humans by feeding on Carbon Dioxide.
Endangered species like Southern Resident orcas will benefit from an increased salmon population due to their natural habitat being restored and herring, rockfish and abalone.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Oak Bay Beach Hotel in their most recent commitment to sustainability and the verified restoration of nature,” said Derrick Emsley, CEO of veritree.
“In taking concrete steps such as planting kelp for every guest who opts-out of room servicing, the hotel is making a real and meaningful impact on nature.”
veritree will be planting giant kelp, bull kelp and sugar kelp in the kelp forest using new and innovative techniques their Emsley is excited to put to use.
